Fairy Tales and how to them fracture

Who Said It? “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales. When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than any talent for abstract, positive thinking.” ~ Albert Einstein 1879-1955

What are fairy tales? To many the word fairytale may conjure up images such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, and others. However, fairytales were not always for children.

What are fairy tales? Back when these stories were first told around campfires, in taverns, and in some medieval villages, there were very few kids present. The parables were often violent in nature and served as a source of entertainment for peasants after a long day’s work.

What are fairy tales? As their popularity spread, fairy tales came to have a major influence on children’s literature. They have also become a heavy influence in movies, sitcoms, and advertisements as they are so popular and widely known.

Definition A fairy tale is a type of short narrative that typically features folkloric characters, such as fairies, goblins, elves, trolls, dwarves, giants or gnomes, and usually magic or enchantments. However, only a small number of the stories refer to fairies.

Definition Fairy tales are part of the oral tradition of literature. They are old stories that tell of man’s problems, fears, and hopes. What makes a fairy tale different from folklore, fables, and tall tales is its use of fantasy and magic.

Often fairy tales involve ordinary people who have experiences of a supernatural kind and are affected by charms, disguises, spells, or other fantastic occurrences. In The Sleeping Beauty, a princess is shut up by enchantment in a castle and sleeps for 100 years; the thick wood that grows up around the castle is penetrated by a prince who awakens the princess with a kiss.

Origins Most modern versions of fairy tales come from three sources: The Grimm Brothers from Germany Hans Christian Anderson from Denmark Frenchman Charles Perrault, the collector of the "Mother Goose" tales.

Although these authors lived long ago and far away... Andersen--Denmark Perrault--France Us--United States Grimm Brothers--Germany ...the appeal and popularity of the tales, continue to entertain us and we live happily ever after.

Elements of a Fairy Tale Does NOT need to include fairies. Set in the past—usually significantly long ago. Include magic, fantasy, supernatural, or make-believe aspects. May contain characters such as fairies, witches, elves, pixies, magicians, fairy godparents, etc. Good characters vs. evil characters. 6. May include objects, people, or events in threes. 7. Focus the plot on a problem or conflict that needs to be solved. 8. Modern versions often have happy endings 9. Usually teach a lesson or demonstrate values important to the culture.

Popular Fairy Tales Sleeping Beauty Cinderella Rapunzel Jack and the Beanstalk Snow White Beauty and the Beast The Frog Prince Red Riding Hood Hansel and Gretel Rumpelstiltskin Snow Queen Thumbelina The Emperor’s New Clothes Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

Fractured Fairy Tales When authors modernize or change one or more of the elements of the story, the story is called a fractured fairy tale.

Assignment Use familiar characters, plots, and settings from traditional fairy tales to create “fractured” versions.

Change the… Setting Characters Point of View Time Period Magic Elements You could have characters from different stories meet.

Criteria Must be in true fairy tale form You may alter the storyline You may add an unexpected twist You may create a contemporary (modern) version All elements of a story must be present As always it must be school appropriate 

Steps Select a fairy tale. Read the original version. Identify elements of a story within. Map these out on work sheet. Brainstorm your ideas for the new story. Create your fractured fairy tale. Use computer for final copy.

Generate Ideas Let’s look at some fractured fairy tales present in advertisements, sitcoms, songs, and movies to get your brain in creative thinking mode! Write down any ideas that come into your mind as you watch and listen.

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Sitcoms/Cartoons Once Upon a Time http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rga4rp4j5TY Simpsons http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-aIDphNRWc

Music Fairy Tale http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgSeF9IBc1M&feature=related Little Red Riding Hood http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFj-oQQE5W4&feature=related

Movies Shrek http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnM-_3K_tzw&feature=related Ella Enchanted http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myEbJ8NCWAo Beastly http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Neo6W1f7hyY&feature=relmfu Snow White and the Huntsman http://www.youtube.com/user/clevverTV?v=SQaZRqlezG4&feature=pyv

Magic or Enchantment